From Barnes & Noble
"The urge to discover secrets is deeply ingrained in human nature," wrote John Chadwick in The Decipherment of Linear B. Well, we concur. Knowledge shrouded in secrecy simply begs to be discovered. Author Simon Singh takes the science of secrecy to a whole new level in The Code Book. Adapted from The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography, this version is modified for a younger audience. Singh chronicles the history of cryptography from Julius Caesar to the Germans' World War II Enigma machine to present-day methods of data encryption, expertly charting the evolution of codes and code breakers. While the topic may seem daunting in theory, Singh uses clear language and plenty of examples to educate and fascinate readers. Take note: This is not a book exclusively for "computer geeks." Encryption is a part of all of our lives, whether we know it or not. Follow The Code Book's remarkable journey and discover all you never knew.
From the Publisher
It’s known as the science of secrecy. Cryptography: the encoding and decoding of private information. And it is history’s most fascinating story of intrigue and cunning. From Julius Caesar and his Caesar Cipher to the code used by Mary Queen of Scots and her conspiracy to the use of the Engima machine during the Second World War, Simon Singh follows the evolution of secret writing.
Accessible, compelling, and timely, this international bestseller, now adapted for young people, is sure to make readers see the past—and the future—in a whole new way.
Publishers Weekly
Simon Singh breaks down cryptic messages for the teenage set in The Code Book: How to Make It, Break It, Hack It, Crack It, an adaptation of his bestselling adult title The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptology. He covers actual instances of codebreaking, from its role in the plan to execute Mary, Queen of Scots, to the Navajo code talkers of WWII. (Mar.) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
Michele Tremaine
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Children's Literature
This is an abridgement of a larger book on cryptology of the same title by Singh. Although the author refers to it as a young readers edition, it is difficult to imagine that this book would appeal to many youngsters. Singh covers the history of code making and breaking in five long, extremely convoluted chapters, then winds up with a final chapter discussing, in almost impenetrable detail, issues of privacy in modern computer encryption. In true academic fashion, his history incorporates long asides filled with confusing details that are only marginally pertinent, as well as tangential discussions that only further complicate an already nearly indecipherable subject. Illustrations and tables are inconveniently situated in the volume, and the appendices are even more frustrating and confusing (if that is possible) than the body of the text. A mathematician who has worked with cryptology tells me that the original version of this book is equally opaque. 2001, Random House/Delacorte Press,
Matthew Weaver
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VOYA
Singh puts together a book that explores in great detail the history of and intricacies involved in code making and breaking. The result is a mix of interesting tales, how-to stories, and a high school textbook. Anyone with a deep interest in codes or the possibilities of espionage will find much to love about the entire book, but it is hit-and-miss for other readers. Codes such as Enigma, the Beale papers, and the Zimmermann telegram are dissected and discussed in an amiable fashion, suggesting that Singh tries hard not to be too dry and boring, but he is not entirely successful. In between codes, Singh focuses on the history around their creation. Here he does better at catching the attention of his audience and capturing the desperation of those people involved in sending the secret messages. Why is much more interesting than how. Of particular note is the brief description of master decipherer Charles Babbage decoding the messages exchanged by lovers in "agony columns" of the newspapers and urging one couple not to elope in their own secret language. The book really shines when talking about the use of the Navajo language during World War II to send messages that the enemy was unable to decode. It is a book, however, that will be engaging to those who are interested in the subject. Anyone else will wonder what all the whispering is about. Index. Illus. Photos. Further Reading. Appendix. 2001, Random House, 272p,
School Library Journal
Gr 7 Up-An in-depth look at the use of secret codes throughout history. Singh utilizes an effective narrative style and intersperses fascinating events and people in this abridged version of his adult book of the same title (Doubleday, 1999). The text, illustrations, charts, and tables are the same. A few chapters have been omitted here, yet the overall flow of the book remains smooth. The difference between steganography and cryptography is discussed, as are the two forms of cryptography: transposition and substitution. A detailed history of secret codes is provided, from Herodotus's earliest accounts of secret messages to Arab cryptographers, Mary Queen of Scots, the German Enigma machine, and the Navajo code talkers. Current work on secret codes and their importance in today's society of Internet commerce are discussed. The last chapter, "The Codebreaker's Challenge," consists of four cryptograms. No solutions are given, but the methods to solve them are discussed. Unfortunately, the glossary from the original title is missing in this version. This book will be a popular addition to any YA collection, especially where secret codes and spy books are popular.-Shauna Yusko, King County Library System, Bellevue, WA Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
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